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Rainer Maria Rilke: Letter Four
The Rabbi's Gift
Rule Number Six

Collected Words of Wisdom
Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more meaningful experience. They are the currency of human contact. — Robert McKee

As you may know by now, literature stimulates and nourishes me. My own writing has become a form of story telling through which I process my life and experiences. Stories, like visual art and dance and music, capture the essence of the human spirit. They have the capacity to connect us, to help us build community where we find understanding and support. Just as importantly and perhaps simultaneously, story leads us to gain glimpses of the bigger picture and understand the deeper truths.

The master gave his teaching in parables and stories, which his disciples listened to with pleasure-and occasional frustration, for they longed for something deeper.

The master was unmoved. To all their objections he would say, ‘You have yet to understand that the shortest distance between a human being and Truth is a story’. — Anthony de Mello

This page on my website is dedicated to stories that delight and inspire me. Many of them are parables–my archetype as a teacher shows here! As I honour the enormous dedication and efforts of writers, I will do my best to respect all copyright laws. Therefore, I would appreciate a note from you if you spot any potential copyright issues so that I can take corrective action. After all, I share the sentiments on writing as expressed by Isadora Duncan, the American dancer and creator of modern dance:

It has taken me years of struggle, hard work and research to learn to make one simple gesture, and I know enough about the art of writing to realize that it would take as many years of concentrated effort to write one simple, beautiful sentence.

I trust you will find enjoyment and meaning in these stories. I welcom your comments and suggestions for inclusion of YOUR favourite story or parable.